Adding value to side-streams: Lessons for the circular bioeconomy

June 17, 2019NewsComments Off on Adding value to side-streams: Lessons for the circular bioeconomy

SusValueWaste has published its third policy brief which addresses main challenges and opportunities for the valorisation of side-streams in the food and beverage industry. The brief is based on comparative case studies in Norway and in Denmark: on whey in the dairy industry, on animal by-products in the meat industry and on spent grain in the brewing industry. The case studies have shown that changes in regulations and political framework conditions can facilitate sustainable transition pathways by giving the right direction through a portfolio of policy instruments which need to be coordinated, both at international, national and regional level. The regional context is an important background for the possible valorisation options: geographical and logistic conditions vary quite a lot between Norway and Denmark and therefore, policy cannot just be copied, but must align with those conditions.

We have following policy recommendations:
· More targeted policy instruments are needed to implement the national bioeconomy strategies.
· Companies must be encouraged to build up and maintain research and development expertise.
· Political instruments are needed that support the development of value chains that cross traditional sector boundaries.

Susvaluewaste

Waste and other residual materials from industries and households are of increasing value in today’s economy. Substances that have long represented a cost to the economy are now becoming a valuable resource. Exploiting the full potential of these resources requires increased innovation, systemic change as well as better regulation and governance.